Report: NY ranks “least free” state in the country

New York is the “least free” state in the nation, according to a study released by the Cato Institute. The poor ranking is mainly due to high taxes and heavy handed rules controlling daily life.

The report ranked New York last for economic and personal freedom. Cato Institute says New York is the worst state on regulatory policy and that the local tax burden is twice as high as the average state.

The report says that while drug arrests are average, nondrug victimless crime arrests are low. New York ranked last for tobacco freedom due to smoking bans and high taxes.

Gun rights are also addressed in the report, stating that it is barely possible to get a concealed-carry license in some parts of the state.